16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
cabin and fell on to his cot, breathing quick
and shallow. Stephen followed him. He sat on
a stool and said in a low voice, close to Martin's
head, 'Dear colleague, I am afraid you
are far from well. May I not do something –
mix a gentle palliative, a soothing draught?'
'No. No, I thank you,' said Martin. 'It is a
passing... indisposition. All I need is rest... and
quiet,' He turned away. It was clear to Stephen
that at this stage there was nothing more he
could usefully say. And when Martin's breathing
grew easier he left him.
The rest of the ship was full of life, with prisoners
coming aboard with their chests and a
prize-crew going across to take over; and as
usual the whaler's hands were being checked
against her muster-book by Mr Adams, the
Captain's clerk, in the great cabin. Jack and
Tom Pullings were there, watching the men,
listening to their answers, and making up their